Catalog Archive
Auction 110, Lot 260

"Culiacanae, Americae Regionis Descriptio [on sheet with] Hispanoliae, Cubae, Aliarumque Insularum Circumiacientium, Delineato", Ortelius, Abraham

Subject: Mexico and Caribbean

Period: 1579-84 (published)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.5 x 14 inches
49.5 x 35.6 cm
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Two great early maps of important regions in the New World. First covers the region of western Mexico around Culiacan and the Spanish settlement of Villa S. Michael's. The region was noted for its silver mines. The second important map is the first detailed map of the Greater Antilles with detail in southern Florida and the Caribbean that is quite remarkable for the period. The map includes an interesting error in that the Tropic of Capricorn is shown on the Mexican map where the Tropic of Cancer should be. Ortelius based the maps on a variety of sources including Mercator’s world map (1569) and other maps by Gutters and Alone De Santa Cruz. Three strapwork cartouches and sailing ships decorate the map. Latin text on verso.

References: Van den Broecke #14.

Condition: A

Signature of the renowned cartographic expert "R Tooley" in pencil on bottom margin. Minor stains and ink spots in blank margins with a slight stain in upper map. Professional repair on centerfold.

Estimate: $1,400 - $1,700

Unsold

Closed on 3/2/2005

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